Coolants and Lubricants: Enhancing Bandsaw Blade Performance and Longevity
Coolants and lubricants play a crucial role in improving bandsaw blade performance and extending its lifespan, offering several benefits:
Lubricants: reducing heat and improving performance
Lubricants serve multiple functions during cutting. They reduce the heat generated by friction between the blade and material, preventing material fatigue and eventual cracking. Additionally, lubricants keep the blade and wheels well-lubricated, reducing friction and wear.
Coolants: Preventing Fatigue and Sweeping Away Debris
Coolants, on the other hand, extend blade life by cooling the cutting edge and blade guides, helping to prevent premature fatigue and warping. They also remove swarf, chips, or bits, preventing them from lodging in the system, clogging the machine, or causing damage.
When to Use Coolants and Lubricants
Coolants are primarily used when cutting metals since metals don’t absorb lubricants as porous materials like wood do. Wood can carry lubricants along the blade’s path, which is not the case with metals. However, some machines and operators choose not to use lubricants, so it’s important to consult user or operator manuals to understand the best practices.
Types of Coolants and Lubricants
Various types of coolants and lubricants cater to specific materials. Though the terms “lubricant” and “coolant” are sometimes used interchangeably, they serve distinct functions. Here, we will examine two common fluid application methods, highlighting their pros and cons:
Spraymist Application
Pros:
- Using 100% neat oil for lubrication offers significant advantages, such as superior blade and tool longevity due to excellent lubrication.
- This method is more cost-effective and eco-friendly, minimising fluid runoff and enhancing safety in the workspace.
- It simplifies the cleaning process for both the machine and cutting debris.
Cons:
- 100% neat oil provides effective lubrication, but it offers limited cooling, which is essential for extending blade life.
- If the nozzle in a spraymister system clogs, the mist may disperse inaccurately, leading to potential delays in cleanup and a loss in efficiency.
Flood Cooling Application
Pros:
- Flood cooling does a better job of keeping the blade cool during the cutting process, helping to prolong the bandsaw blade’s life.
- It easily removes debris and bits that accumulate around the bandsaw blade table.
- Using the correct oil ensures good lubrication during operation.
Cons:
- Improper maintenance can lead to significant messes, with fluids potentially spilling into surrounding areas. This can result in wasted time cleaning both the machine and the workspace.
- Using incorrect fluids or improper oil mixtures may cause corrosion on the bandsaw blade or the materials being cut.
Conclusion
We recommend that you refer to the user’s or manufacturer’s manual to determine whether your machine requires coolants or lubricants. The manual will also help you decide which method and fluid application system will best suit your needs.